A Golfing Paradise in the Heart of France: Souillac Golf and Country Club
Nestled in the picturesque Dordogne region of France, Souillac Golf and Country Club represents the perfect marriage of exceptional golf, outstanding hospitality, and the timeless charm of one of France's most celebrated wine regions. What began as an adventurous journey from Plymouth to Roscoff, followed by an eight-and-a-half-hour drive through the French countryside, culminated in discovering a golfing gem that exceeded all expectations.
A Journey to Remember
The road to Souillac takes you deep into the heart of the Dordogne, approximately thirty minutes from the historic town of Sarlat and about an hour from Bergerac, with the renowned wine region of Bordeaux beckoning further toward the coast. This strategic location places the club at the center of one of France's most culturally rich and gastronomically celebrated regions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to combine their passion for golf with an appreciation for French culture and cuisine.
A Family-Oriented Resort Experience
Souillac Golf and Country Club truly embodies the concept of a family-oriented resort. The accommodation options, featuring charming log cabins alongside various other lodging choices, create an atmosphere that welcomes golfers of all ages and their families. The resort's comprehensive facilities extend well beyond golf, offering a swimming pool, tennis courts, and dedicated play areas for children. This thoughtful approach ensures that while serious golfers can focus on their game, families can enjoy a complete vacation experience together.
The setting is nothing short of breathtaking. The natural beauty of the Dordogne region provides a stunning backdrop for both golf and relaxation, creating an environment where the stresses of daily life simply melt away.
Culinary Excellence in Wine Country
As one would expect from any quality establishment in France, the culinary experience at Souillac is world-class. The clubhouse restaurant delivers food that meets the highest French standards, perfectly complemented by wines that showcase the best of this renowned wine region. The combination of exceptional cuisine and carefully selected wines creates dining experiences that are memorable long after the last putt has dropped.
The hospitality, led by Ludwig, the general manager, exemplifies the best of French service. His attention to detail and commitment to ensuring guests are "well and truly fed and watered" throughout their stay creates an atmosphere of warmth and welcome that makes every visitor feel like a valued friend rather than merely a guest.
A Golf Course Designed for All
The 18-hole golf course at Souillac tells a story of thoughtful development and evolution. What began as a 9-hole course has been carefully expanded and refined over time to create the current 18-hole layout that challenges and delights golfers of varying abilities. The course design philosophy clearly prioritizes strategic thinking over pure length, creating a layout that rewards course management and precision rather than simply power.
The course plays very tight in several areas, demanding accuracy and careful shot selection. These pinch points are strategically placed to make golfers think carefully about their approach, creating engaging decision-making opportunities throughout the round. The layout flows naturally through the Dordogne landscape, with each hole presenting its own unique character and challenge.
What makes the course particularly appealing is its accessibility to golfers of all skill levels while still providing enough challenge to keep accomplished players engaged. The design ensures that beginners won't feel overwhelmed, while experienced golfers will find plenty to test their skills and strategic thinking.
The Perfect Golfing Getaway
The experience of playing at Souillac extends far beyond the golf course itself. The combination of challenging yet fair golf, exceptional food and wine, comfortable accommodation, and the stunning natural beauty of the Dordogne creates the perfect environment for a memorable golfing holiday. Whether traveling with longtime playing partners or introducing family members to the joys of golf, Souillac provides the ideal setting.
For those seeking complete relaxation and rejuvenation, the resort offers everything needed to unwind and reconnect with both the game and the companions you choose to share the experience with. The Dordogne region is rich with historic châteaux and fascinating prehistoric caves that offer wonderful exploration opportunities for guests who wish to delve deeper into the area's remarkable heritage. These cultural treasures provide the perfect complement to days on the golf course, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and culture that make this region of France so captivating. The peaceful surroundings, combined with French hospitality and cuisine, create an atmosphere where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to truly savor every moment.
A Destination Worth the Journey
The journey from Plymouth to Roscoff and then through the heart of France to reach Souillac may be substantial, but it's a pilgrimage that rewards every mile traveled. The combination of scenic beauty, cultural richness, outstanding golf, and world-class hospitality makes Souillac Golf and Country Club a destination that calls visitors back time and again.
For golfers seeking an experience that combines their love of the game with the pleasures of French culture, cuisine, and wine, Souillac Golf and Country Club stands as an absolute gem in the crown of European golf destinations. It's a place where memories are made, friendships are strengthened, and the true joy of golf is rediscovered in one of the world's most beautiful settings.
Whether you're planning a special celebration, a reunion with old friends, or simply seeking the perfect golfing escape, Souillac Golf and Country Club in the heart of the Dordogne offers an experience that is, quite simply, first class in every regard
Dan Hendriksen, PGA Professional